Welcome to SunRise Cacti. My name is Bernard and I am a radio ham , call sign G6TET. I'm mainly interested in Echinopsis, these are the cacti we used to see in cottage windows with large white flowers. Alas because they were so common they went out of favour! Many wonderful Hybrids of various colours and scents where bred in America, with interesting name's like Pink Puff, White Knight, Moonglow etc.

ECHINOPSIS OXYGONA

Lets get rid of some of the myths which have put people off growing cacti in the past, then I'm sure you'll try a few, won't you??

REBUTIA SENILIS

Q.... They grow in brick dust or sand.
A.... A good compost with added grit gives far better results.

CHAMAECEREUS SYLVESRII

Q.... They don't need water..
A.... I water as soon as they are dry in Summer with a feed of fertilizer every 2 weeks ..... No water in Winter

LOBIVIA x TRICHOCEREUS

Q.... They only flower when they're very old!!
A.... Some are old or large before they flower BUT many, like Rebutia's, can flower when only one and a half to two years old.

ECHINOPSIS SUBDENUDATA

Q.... They need high temperatures.
A.... My greenhouse is allowed to drop to 2 degrees C. (34F.) in winter!
I have found that low temps. in Winter encourages more flowers next Summer!!

ECHINOPSIS PARAMOUNT HYBRID

Please give some a try,, easy ones are;
Echinopsis, Rebutia, Mammillaria and Lobivia (an anagram of Bolivia which is where they come from).

OPUNTIA PARAQUAYENSIS

For more info on Cacti try The Cactus Mall.

For a good choice of fresh seed: Doug & Vivi Rowland. 200,Spring Road. Kempston. Bedford. England MK42 8ND. Telephone : 01234-358970.

Copyright © 1997 Bernard Smith g6tet

With assistance in Page Design by Peter Meekin